Father turns in son over alleged Hyundai and Kia car thefts in Glendale: PD
Glendale Korean car thefts involve boys age 12, 13
Glendale Police say two boys, ages 12 and 13, stole at least 11 Kia and Hyundai vehicles. FOX 10 explains how drivers can protect their cars.
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Two boys are in big trouble after being accused of stealing several cars over a span of two months near 67th Avenue and Maryland in Glendale.
The car thefts started in July and lasted into August, targeting Kias and Hyundais. The reason they were stolen comes down to how easy it is—so easy that even children can do it. The internet is filled with videos showing people how to steal cars, with Hyundais and Kias topping the list.
The backstory:
Police received their first tip in July.
"Two juveniles driving an Optima that doesn’t sound right, you know," Glendale Police Department Officer Joseph Merced said. "Patrol officers find out that it’s stolen. They were, you know, keeping track of all of the stolen vehicles in this area."
Glendale Police released photos after busting up the car theft ring run by the two boys, ages 12 and 13, who are not even old enough to drive. At least eight cars were stolen in Glendale within two months. Officials say they caught the boys in action—dressed in hoodies and gloves—using drone surveillance after being tipped off by angry neighbors and one of the boys' disappointed father.
"And in this situation, we’re so thankful that father gave us that tip because it really just added to it," an officer said.
Dig deeper:
Erik Seweingyawa, a master mechanic at Gemba Automotive in Phoenix who knows all about the issue, explained the alleged thieves' method.
"They take the wires, make something makeshift, make sure a USB can plug into it," Seweingyawa said.
Seweingyawa suggests regular software updates, replacing a key with a key fob, and taking extra security steps like installing cameras and trackers.
"If you’re gonna buy a tracker, make sure you put it somewhere they can’t see it and only you know where to find it," Seweingyawa said. "So if you ever need to call the police, you can help them track it wherever it’s going."
Hyundai issues statement
Officials with carmaker Hyundai have released a statement that reads:
Hyundai continues to offer free anti-theft software upgrades for eligible vehicles at Hyundai dealerships. The installation process takes less than 30 minutes. Hyundai is not aware of any confirmed instances in which the software upgrade failed to perform as designed. Customers can check vehicle eligibility and learn more about available anti-theft solutions at https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/campaignhome.
All Hyundai vehicles produced since November 2021 are equipped with an engine immobilizer as standard equipment. For certain earlier vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers, Hyundai has taken comprehensive steps to help protect customers and address the method of theft popularized on social media. These efforts include the free anti-theft software upgrades mentioned above and ignition cylinder protectors. Customers can learn more about the ignition protector program at: https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/ignitionprotector/
We will continue to take meaningful action to support our customers.
The Source: Information in this report was gathered from Officer Joseph Merced with the Glendale Police Department; Erik Seweingyawa, master mechanic at Gemba Automotive; and an official statement from Hyundai.